'Absolutely disgusting': Aussie captain savaged for 'ridiculous' sledging
Aussie captain Tim Paine has failed to back up his chatter behind the stumps after being savaged for his ‘disgusting’ sledging in the final hour of the SCG Test.
India toiled away and achieved a stoic draw at the SCG when it appeared near impossible at the start of Day 5 at the SCG, but the Aussies slowly became frustrated throughout the day.
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Firstly, the stump camera picked up a piece of gamesmanship from Steve Smith, before the stump mic picked up some strong words from the captain.
With less than 30 minutes of play left and India sitting comfortably with five wickets in hand, Paine started to chirp at Ravi Ashwin behind the stumps.
But one exchanged prompted dismay from Channel 7 commentator Suniil Gavaskar and a fierce reaction from fans.
With Ashwin performing heroics for India as the day’s play was ending, the spinner pulled out during Nathan Lyon’s run up.
Paine was clearly frustrated with the tactic and said: “Can’t wait to get you to the Gabba, Ash.”
The Aussie captain was clearly referring to the Gabba’s fast and bouncy wicket, which has intimidated touring teams for years.
But Ashwin hit back: “Can’t wait to get you to India, it’ll be your last series.”
Paine; Can't wait to get you to the Gabba, Ash
Ashwin; Can't wait to get you to India, it'll be your last seried pic.twitter.com/x9q1VNyC6N— Thala (@ssmbbakthudu) January 11, 2021
The clever quip prompted Paine to hit back.
“Maybe. Are you a selector here as well? At least my teammates like me, d***head. I’ve got a lot more Indian friends than you do.
“Your teammates think you’re (inaudible). Don’t they? Every one of them. Wait until you get to the Gabba, pal.”
The chat prompted a fierce reaction on social media towards the Aussie captain.
Ambassador of the game. Tim Paine.
— Aniruddha Guha (@AniGuha) January 11, 2021
Paine, if you don’t stop talking....Batsman isn’t going to bat. Simple. Let your gloves do the talking. You’re considered to be the good boy of Australian cricket....live up to the reputation. At least. #AusvInd
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 11, 2021
Gavaskar on @7Cricket - This is ridiculous (Paine's Gabba jibe to Ashwin & Ashwin's India response to Paine). Ashwin pulled out from facing a ball, everytime the chat started. Sunny continued, 'Bumrah is also eager to get to the Gabba' #AUSvIND #AUSvINDtest #INDvsAUS
— Vijay Arumugam (@vijayarumugam) January 11, 2021
Tim Paine - disappointing that it’s come to personal sledges. We should be better than that. #AUSvsIND
— Melissa (@Bystander36) January 11, 2021
Pathetic sledging from Tim Paine to Ashwin. Sounds like a sore loser. After watching this gripping test and willing on Australia’s bowlers to take these last wickets, I no longer want Australia to win. Just unnecessary and lame. #AUSvsIND @collinsadam @GeoffLemonSport
— Jack Gough (@JackEGough) January 11, 2021
Tim Paine doing his regular banter trying to dislodge Ashwin and Sunil Gavaskar sitting in the Aussie commentary box feels its “absolutely disgusting”
Wondering @RickyPonting must have rolled some eyes and a smirk. Gavaskar is dancing because they are rolling badly for a draw!— F Ali Qadri كشميري (@ToathKoshur) January 11, 2021
Before sledging others, look at yourself paine, you dropped 3 important catches and you call yourself a captian💦
Practice how to take catches rather than taking rubbish about others
And those comments are disrespectful and disgusting 🙏#AUSvsIND https://t.co/G7a8PzZ8XX— Monkey. D. Garp (@Prasanthtarak9) January 11, 2021
Tim Paine slammed for dropped catch
Only moments later, Paine dropped Hanuma Vihari performing a one-handed catch to put any chance of a late Aussie flurry of wickets to bed.
This prompted many to lash out at Paine for his earlier chatter.
Tim Paine seems to be better at sledges than edges.
— Ramesh Srivats (@rameshsrivats) January 11, 2021
Ashwin’s sledging has affected Paine 😂 #INDvsAUS
— Vikram Sathaye (@vikramsathaye) January 11, 2021
Tim Paine is only winning the chatting contest. #AusvInd
— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) January 11, 2021
Tim Paine drops his third catch of the day. It couldn't have happened to a 'nicer guy.' #AUSvIND
— Raunak Kapoor (@RaunakRK) January 11, 2021
The match ended in a draw just after 6pm local time after a remarkable batting performance from India.
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